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✶ Field notes from people who live here — honest, local hotels in Iceland.
Field notes

Honest notes from people who live here.

Driving, weather, food, and what's actually open. Written by the team that runs the four hotels — and re-checked when conditions change.

Showing Practical field notes only. Show all notes →
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SNæFELLSNES · PRACTICAL
6 JUL

Saxhóll Crater: A 5-Minute Stairway Climb Up a Volcano in Snæfellsjökull National Park

Climb a metal staircase to the rim of Saxhóll, a red scoria crater in Snæfellsjökull National Park, for sweeping lava-field and coastal…

Stay nearby: The Stykkishólmur Inn by Ourhotels · from 28,000 ISK
WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
20 FEB

Why Iceland humbles travelers

From the moment you step off the plane into Iceland’s crisp air, you’re reminded of nature’s power—towering glaciers, thunderous waterfalls and windswept…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
4 FEB

Do you need cash in Iceland?

Discover the freedom of exploring Westfjords & West Iceland without the burden of a bulky wallet—most places accept contactless cards, from gas…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
9 FEB

Why moss is protected

Discover the vibrant green carpets of moss that cloak the lava fields and hillsides of Iceland’s Westfjords and West Iceland—fragile ecosystems that…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
6 JUL

Tangagata: Ísafjörður’s Oldest Street and Its Timber Houses

Walk Tangagata and the Neðstikaupstaður harbour district in Ísafjörður to see Iceland's oldest timber houses, some from the 1700s. A free, self-guided…

Stay nearby: The Ísafjörður Inn by Ourhotels · from 14,500 ISK
WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
11 FEB

Adapters and electricity in Iceland

Keep your devices powered throughout your Westfjords & West Iceland adventure with the right gear—Type C/F adapters, a multi-USB charger, power bank…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
5 MAR

Tipping and paying in Ísafjörður: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful

Discover hassle-free payments in Ísafjörður—tap your contactless card at cafés, shops and tours, or keep small króna bills handy for remote farm…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
4 MAR

Glacier walk reality check: why crevasse maps matter and when you need a guide

Discover West Iceland’s glaciers safely: learn why crevasse maps are a must, when to hire a professional guide, and what gear you…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
11 MAR

Best Nature Destinations Near Ísafjörður

Discover the Westfjords’ untamed beauty from the charming town of Ísafjörður. Base yourself at the cozy Ísafjörður Inn (part of Ourhotels.is) and…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
10 MAR

Why Small Town Iceland Offers the Best Travel Experience

Discover the true heart of Iceland by swapping its busy cities for quaint fishing villages and hilltop inns. Here, you’ll chat with…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
11 FEB

Why small museums matter

Discover Westfjords and West Iceland’s hidden treasures in intimate, local-run museums—from ancestral fishing tools in Ísafjörður to volcanic-inspired art near Borgarnes. Enjoy…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
6 JUL

Ísafjörður Swimming Pool: The Town’s Geothermal Pool a Short Walk Away

Ísafjörður's geothermal pool, Sundhöll Ísafjarðar, is a short walk from town with hot pots and a sauna. A practical guide to Iceland's…

Stay nearby: The Ísafjörður Inn by Ourhotels · from 14,500 ISK
WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
5 MAR

Tipping and paying in Akureyri: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful

Discover how easy it is to pay in Akureyri—from tapping your Visa or Mastercard almost anywhere to knowing when to carry a…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
18 FEB

Why Iceland suits thoughtful travelers

Discover Iceland at a gentle pace: wander silent fjords, soak in secluded hot springs beneath dancing skies, and explore charming coastal villages…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
5 MAR

Tipping and paying in Keflavík Airport: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful

Arriving at Keflavík International Airport is a breeze—major cards, contactless and mobile payments are accepted everywhere, and you can even opt to…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
4 FEB

Tipping culture in Iceland explained

Discover the stress-free way to enjoy Iceland’s breathtaking beauty: tipping isn’t expected—service is already included and workers earn fair wages—yet small “takk”s…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
8 FEB

Why sunny days feel extra special

There’s nothing quite like waking up to clear skies and golden light dancing across fjords and lava fields in Westfjords & West…

SNæFELLSNES · PRACTICAL
5 MAR

A realistic ‘plan B’ day in Keflavík Airport when wind shuts down your original itinerary

Grounded by wind gusts at Keflavík? Don’t let a delay derail your day—turn it into an Icelandic adventure. Start with a cozy…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
5 MAR

VAT refund strategy for shopping in Akureyri: receipts, minimums, and departure-day timing

Maximize your savings on Icelandic souvenirs with an easy 11% VAT refund: shop items over ISK 6,000, keep “Tax Free” receipts, and…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
4 FEB

Parking rules in Icelandic towns

Make parking in Iceland’s most charming towns a breeze with Ourhotels.is. Whether you’re navigating Borgarnes’ blue-zone meters, Stykkishólmur’s harbor-front free spots, or…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
5 MAR

How to handle pool etiquette at a local pool in Þórsmörk: showers, rules, and unspoken norms

After a day hiking Þórsmörk’s dramatic canyons and lush valleys, there’s no better way to unwind than soaking in the community’s geothermal…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
4 MAR

Tipping and paying in Keflavík Airport: card terminals, rounding up, and when cash is useful

Arrive at Keflavík Airport with confidence: credit and contactless payments are accepted everywhere, you can easily round up on terminals to tip…

WEST ICELAND · PRACTICAL
4 MAR

Pool = social hub: how locals use pools and how to blend in naturally

Discover Iceland’s geothermal pools as more than just swim spots—they’re year-round social hubs where locals unwind, chat, and forge friendships against stunning…

WESTFJORDS · PRACTICAL
4 FEB

Why Iceland has so many waterfalls

Discover Iceland’s 10,000-plus waterfalls as you journey through Westfjords and West Iceland—where crystal streams tumble from lava fields at Hraunfossar, the Golden…

Check rates Best rate from 19,000 ISK